In a controversial decision, Shelby County Judge Bill Anderson Jr. released 18-year-old Edio White, who was charged with first-degree murder, without bond. This action prompted a strong response from Tennessee State Senator Brent Taylor, who represents Shelby County. He criticized Anderson as a “rogue official” for this decision.
Senator Taylor, expressing deep concern, penned an open letter to Michelle Long, the administrative director of the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Court. In his letter, Taylor requested a review of Judge Anderson’s judicial practices and bail decisions. He highlighted the case’s disturbing nature, arguing that releasing White posed a danger to the community.
Edio White, alongside a 15-year-old juvenile, faced charges for a robbery in Binghampton that resulted in a fatal shooting. Despite the severity of the charges, White was released on his own recognizance (ROR) following a court hearing on November 27, 2023.
Further, Taylor cited previous comments made by Judge Anderson to the Shelby County Commission, where Anderson criticized the bail system, claiming it exploited the poor. Taylor accused Anderson of corrupting the bail decisions of other judges, evidenced by the trend of setting low bail amounts.
Senator Taylor also took to social media, urging the public to hold Judge Anderson accountable and maintaining that the criminal justice system, under the influence of Anderson and the District Attorney, favored a restorative justice approach over protecting law-abiding citizens. The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that the ROR decision was made by the judge.
As the story developed, media outlet ABC24 attempted to contact Judge Anderson for comments. His office stated that he could not comment on ongoing cases but was open to discussing bond/bail reform issues. As of the last update, Anderson had not yet responded to these inquiries.
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